fa Research (Original) <p>Pathogenic Candida species are widely distributed in human and animal hosts. Accordingly, they account for 88% of nosocomial fungal infections and are the fourth cause of hospital-acquired blood infections. Fresh Garlic (<em>Allium sativum</em>) contains a sulfur compound that is composed of an amino acid (cysteine) called Alliin. The compounds in garlic are divided into two groups of sulfur and nonsulfur-containing types. In this study, the standard specimens of different Candida species were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (Merck) and chromogen agar <em>Candida</em>. The extracted essential oil was stored in a sterile container with a lid at 4&deg;C for laboratory analysis. The extraction was accomplished using hydrodistillation by means of Clevenger apparatus. Comparison of the minimum inhibitory concentrations of garlic essential oil showed that <em>C. albicans</em> was the most susceptible <em>Candida</em> species to this plant essential oil. In other words, garlic essential oil inhibited the fungal growth at the lowest concentration. <em>Candida species</em> has been well accepted as the most important etiologic agent of oral candidiasis. Therefore, the control of infections caused by <em>C. albicans</em> and <em>C. glabrata</em>, as well as the early diagnosis and prevention of candidiasis, is a matter of particular importance. The adoption of an accurate treatment requires the identification of Candida species and genotype analysis of clinical isolates, which also facilitate the evaluation and prevention of candidiasis, especially among inpatients.<br> &nbsp;</p> Garlic essential oil, Candida species, Medicinal allergy 12 17 http://tbsrj.mazums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-3418-1&slc_lang=fa&sid=1 Maryam Mirabadi 100319475328460029191 100319475328460029191 No Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Hamid Azadeghan Qomi azadeganqh@gmail.com 100319475328460029192 100319475328460029192 Yes Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Nursing, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Mojtaba Didehdar 100319475328460029193 100319475328460029193 No Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.